The impacts of resource sector growth desktop matrix March 2013 in regional communities

Stage 1 Acknowledgments Disclaimer This project was funded by the Australian This study has been produced in collaboration between the three Department of Regional , Regional Development Australia organisations of Mackay Isaac Local Government, Arts and Sport, and Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Central West and Wide Bay Burnett. supported by the government. CQUniversity’s Sustainable Regional Development Research Programme We gratefully acknowledge CQUniversity was commissioned to undertake the desktop review and stakeholder colleagues Dr Delwar Akbar, Dr Zobaidul consultation exercises, as well as to assist the RDAs in forming the Kabir, Lindsay Greer for their contributions recommendations and action areas emerging from the study. in designing the stakeholder consultation survey; and Gail Tucker for her assistance While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, RDA and with maps and report formatting. We CQUniversity accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken also thank the over one hundred regional as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or stakeholders who participated in the implied, contained within. To the best of our knowledge, the content consultation phase of this project. was correct at the time of publishing. Any references to legislation are not an interpretation of the law and are to be used as a guide only. Table of Contents

Abbreviations...... 4

Introduction...... 5

Project scope and key definitions ...... 5

Key findings ...... 6

Theme 1: Demographic and labour force shifts...... 7 Synopsis...... 7 Gap analysis...... 9 Theme 2: Regional governance...... 10 Synopsis...... 10 Gap analysis...... 13 Theme 3: Liveability, family and social wellbeing...... 14 Synopsis...... 14 Gap analysis...... 21 Theme 4: Indigenous issues...... 22 Synopsis...... 22 Gap analysis...... 27 Theme 5: Housing ...... 28 Synopsis...... 28 Gap analysis...... 30 Theme 6: Public health...... 31 Synopsis...... 31 Gap analysis...... 34 Theme 7: Workforce planning, skills and education...... 35 Synopsis...... 35 Gap analysis...... 39 Theme 8: Transport and development infrastructure...... 40 Synopsis...... 40 Gap analysis...... 45 Theme 9: Water and energy...... 46 Synopsis...... 46 Gap analysis...... 50 Theme 10: Environment and natural resource management ...... 51 Synopsis...... 51 Gap analysis...... 54 Additional references...... 54

3 Abbreviations

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics ACARP Australian Coal Association Research Program ASU Australian Services Union AusIMM Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy BSC Banana Shire Council CEM Centre for Environmental Management CIQ Community Indicators Queensland CQU University, CQUniversity CSRM Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining Cwlth Commonwealth Dept. Department e.g. example FCW Fitzroy and Central West FIFO Fly-in; Fly-out Inc. Incorporated IRC Isaac Regional Council ISRD Institute for Sustainable Regional Development LGAQ Local Government Association of Queensland MIW Mackay Isaac Whitsunday MWREDC Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation na not applicable NDRP Natural Disaster Resilience Program OESR Office of Economic & Statistical Research R’ton PLC Partnerships for Liveable Communities Prof Professor QUT Queensland University of Technology R&D Research and Development RDA Regional Development Australia RDAFCW Regional Development Australia Fitzroy and Central West SEIFA Socio-economic index for areas SEQ South-east Queensland SoE State of the Environment UQ University of Queensland WBB Wide Bay Burnett W’sunday Whitsunday

4 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Introduction

Queensland’s resource sector is driving rapid growth and this not only provides opportunities for regional economic development, but also puts pressure on local communities, their economies, lifestyle, environment and social wellbeing. To deliver sustainable solutions that address the region’s social and economic challenges, it is imperative that a clear understanding of what the impacts from economic and population growth will have on the lifestyle and social well-being of regional communities. Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, State and local governments to support the growth and development of Australia’s regions. RDA Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Central West, and Wide Bay Burnett are collaborating with Local Government Authorities and key regional stakeholders to pursue a focused, cross regional approach to resource sector opportunities and their economic, social and community impacts. The purpose of this project was to use a partnership approach between three Queensland RDA committees, and CQUniversity, to better document, understand, and plan the response to the key pressures resulting from rapid growth of the resources sector. Specifically, the research involved a desktop review to identify and synthesise information on the cumulative, regional and cross-regional impacts of rapid development in the resource sector (mining, energy, construction and others areas), in the communities of Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Central West, and Wide Bay Burnett. This was done for a series of 10 thematic areas, which were identified as key areas for cumulative impacts, as well as reflecting the common issues shared by the three regions, in responding to the current and projected accelerated growth in the resources sector. To ensure consistency across regions and themes, information was drawn from a range of sources, including local, state and Australian government; relevant statistics sources (OESR, ABARE, ABS); community and business groups; peak representative bodies; environmental and social and economic impact assessments prepared for specific resource projects; key research groups in Australia; major community development projects being undertaken by mining proponents, and the Parliamentary library (for submissions to the current Inquiry on the use of fly-in, fly-out work practices).

Project scope and key definitions

As regional development is a complex agenda, and there is a need to clearly articulate how this report can be narrowed to focus specifically on the cumulative, regional and cross-regional impacts of rapid development in the resource sector. For the purposes of this report, the definition of ‘cumulative impacts’ shall be adopted from that provided in Franks et al. (2010, p. 10): ‘Cumulative impacts are the successive, incremental and combined impacts of one, or more, activities on society, the economy and the environment... [these] may be the product of past, present or future activities… can be both positive and negative and can vary in intensity as well as spatial and temporal extent’. Cumulative impacts can also arise from interactions between issues, which may trigger a new ‘tipping point’ and the transition to a substantially different situation (Franks et al. 2010). Regional impacts are those beyond a single activity or project, but which extend into multiple communities or locations within a geographic area (in this case, a region will be defined by the RDA boundaries). Cross-regional impacts are those that are shared or common across two or more regional areas. The resources sector has been defined by DEEWR (2010, p. 1) as: ‘mining, oil and gas operations, including operating mines, quarries, oil and gas wells, as well as constructing those operations. It also includes mining support activities such as fee-for-service activities and exploration. This is broadly consistent with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) definition of ‘mining’, but for the purpose of this paper it also encompasses resource processing activities, such as LNG production (ABS, 2008a)’. This definition excludes the more general industries of transport, construction, and water, energy and waste, except where they are directly involved in supporting or enabling resource sector activity.

Regional li 5 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities These types of impacts of rapid resource development in regions will be evident across a number of domains. Many of these are interlinked, so to avoid confusion, this project will adopt the following thematic areas: 1. Demographic and labour force shifts 2. Regional governance 3. Liveability, family and social wellbeing 4. Indigenous issues 5. Housing 6. Public health 7. Workforce planning, skills and education 8. Transport and development infrastructure 9. Water and energy 10. Environment and natural resource management In the following section, each of these themes are explored through information matrices, which list key data, information, statistics, research, projects and/or programmes that are specifically relevant to the cumulative, regional and cross-regional impacts of rapid development in the resource sector. It should be noted that this project sourced publicly available information using a range of desktop sources. A number of draft and/or confidential reports may also exist, in addition to those listed in the matrices below, but these could not be included in the study at time of writing.

Key findings

This exercise showed that the regional impacts associated with resource sector activity included those from the environmental, social and economic spheres. Predominantly, the impacts reported were negative ones; however, this may reflect the reality that most research studies and regional planning initiatives are focussed on identifying challenges rather than reporting on positive situations. Some of the positive impacts included population growth, employment creation and stimulation of regional supply chains. The review also included information about on- ground projects that were being undertaken in each region, where these were relevant to addressing the impacts of resource sector activity. Overall, there was much less information available about possible impacts on the Wide-Bay Burnett region, compared with its northern neighbours: this is a likely reflection of WBB being only a recent entrant to the resource sector economy, and that their involvement (to date) occurs largely through mobile workforce provision, rather than hosting of resource development sites. The two key findings from the desktop review were that there is a vast diversity of impacts that are being experienced by regional communities; and yet there is a lack of empirical data about the precise nature and extent of many of these impacts.

6 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 1: Demographic and labour force shifts

Synopsis

Regional population growth is a key driver for regional development activities, and population statistics are essential for future planning purposes. Population analyses are are traditionally prepared based on natural birth/ death and migration patterns within a geographic area; and they often provide information on particular subgroups (for example, gender, age, cultural background, resident compared with non-resident). However, in understanding boom-bust cycles in commodity markets, it is increasingly being recognised that rapid swells in population can occur specifically due to the nature of resource activity. For example, this may include new labour attracted by the construction and operations phrases of large projects, as well jobs growth in supporting sectors such as health, education, retail and services. Consequently, population analyses in resource regions needs to include both demographic as well as labour force growth, as these can be important in driving trends such as perceived loss of community identity. For the resource sector specifically, it is also important to consider the nature of the workforce itself, that is, whether employees are resident or non-resident (with the latter referring to fly in-fly out, drive in-drive out and/or bus in-bus out arrangements).

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting Adam Rose, John Rolfe CQUniversity 2012 All • the CQ region houses a 520,000 strong and Susan Kinnear, population, with the bulk being located in 2012, An economic and coastal centres demographic analysis of growth potential in the • currently available data indicate that, for every Central Queensland region, one resources-based job created in the region, Research report to the CQ an additional 3.5 jobs are created NRL bid • existing mid-range forecasts place the regional population at 790,000 by 2031; but this research suggests that in excess of 200,000 people will move into the region by 2018, simply from resource project activity alone Redefining regional KPMG Consultants December FCW • Non-resident FTE population of Isaac Regional planning: managing 2011 Council is forecast to rise over 40% to reach change, measuring growth 28,220 by 2012 (Abridged report for Isaac Regional Council) • this places IRC as the first-fastest municipality in Australia • this growth poses a risk of service and infrastructure shortfalls Professor John Rolfe, http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • Use of a non-resident workforce is now an CQUniversity, Submission au/house/committee/ 2011 integral part of many mining operations in to the House of ra/fifodido/subs.htm) Australia. Representatives Standard Committee on Regional • In Queensland, the estimates of the number of Australia, Inquiry into the workers commuting to mining regions by FIFO use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) or DIDO for block shift periods are often under‐ workforce practices in estimated. regional Australia • There may be perverse incentives for some companies to have DIDO and FIFO arrangements as a consequence of development conditions, fringe benefit taxes and industrial relations issues.

Regional li 7 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Centre for Social http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • The lack of accurate, specific data about Responsibility in Mining, au/house/committee/ 2011 the extent of current and projected FIFO/ Submission to the House ra/fifodido/subs.htm) DIDO practice represents a major structural of Representatives weakness in terms of formulating policy Standard Committee on responses to the use of FIFO workforce Regional Australia, Inquiry practices. into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Mackay Isaac Whitsunday MIW-REDC October MIW • FIFO work practices underpin investment in Regional Economic 2011 (focus) resource regions Development Corporation, and all FIFO/DIDO Enquiry, • Major structural change is needed if local Regional Submission to the communities are to be able to supply the House of Representatives labour for resource expansion, with a shortfall Enquiry of some 7,355 jobs expected in the Bowen Basin by 2017 • 11 recommendations given regarding the balance of FIFO/locally sourced labour, availability of critical data (Census statistics), and the appropriateness of the EIS process in addressing multiplier effects. Joint Fly-In and Fly- RDAFCW 2001 FCW • A regular non-resident workforce is entrenched Out Discussion Paper, and growing in the Central Queensland mining RDAFCW industry. Census and population statistical data do not include regular non-resident workers in their respective demographics and surveys. RDAFCW is of the view that this is essential information and should be collected for regional economic, social and community planning and development purposes and be accompanied by policy measures that contribute to Local Government’s increased liveability and sustainability responsibilities such as service and infrastructure delivery. Surat Basin Population and CEM 2012 FCW,WBB • This study predicted non-resident and resident Housing Study: Dalby- population up to 2026. It found that there Roma Growth Corridor would be at least 20% increase in non-resident (under progress) population in 2026, while resident population will increase by 50%. This is a research report, is under progress and FCW and WBB could use some of the predicted population figures for future planning and development Whitsunday Regional http://aphref.aph.gov. February All • WRC recommended that the Inquiry Council, Submission to the au/house/committee/ 2012 consider changes to the national Census to House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) allow better capture of the number of non- Standard Committee on resident workers; as these data are critical Regional Australia, Inquiry in information better allocation of royalties, into the use of ‘fly-in, government funding, and service provision in fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce resource communities. practices in regional Australia • WRC also highlighted the need to consider multiplier effects of resource-based employment and the challenges faced by service-based professionals (teachers, nurses) in coping with the high cost of living in resource communities

8 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Kinetic Group*, http://aphref.aph.gov. May 2012 All • Annual turnover rates in Queensland’s non- Submission to the House au/house/committee/ resident workforce is more than double that of of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) the wider workforce Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia *Formerly, the Mining Industry Skills Centre Central Queensland RDAFCW 2001 FCW • A scoping study into existing migration and Migration and Settlement settlement organisations networks and Engagement Scoping developing a collaborative arrangement Study and implementation strategy for Central Queensland. This network and strategy will assist in positive outcomes for the community in relation to the Australian Government’s ‘Building Australia’s future through the well- managed entry and settlement of people’ policy, especially relating to employment, education and health. On-ground programs None identified Key data sources OESR, Queensland Queensland Treasury Annual FCW, • Population and labour force data Department MIW, WBB • Non-resident workforce data Census data, ABS Australian With FCW, • Population, housing and labour force data Government Census MIW, WBB Department of Mines and Queensland Quarterly FCW, • Workforce data for resource sectors across Energy Government MIW, Queensland WBB Gladstone Economic and Gladstone Economic On request FCW • Workforce and economic development data Industry Development and Industry Board Development Board Australian Government Department Quarterly FCW, • Small Area Labour Market Department of Education, of Education, MIW, Employment and Employment and WBB Workforce relations Workplace Relations Other projects None identified ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

1. There is a lack of integrated modelling for the purposes of long-term population forecasting. New models are needed that are based on both life-cycle demographic characteristics as well as the resource boom cycle (e.g. multiplier effects of workforce statistics) 2. Properly quantifying the non-resident (FIFO/DIDO) workforce remains an ongoing issue

Regional li 9 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 2: Regional governance

Synopsis

Regional governance refers to how people and organisations plan, control or regulate regional development behaviour, including the processes by which regions identify and develop their values, and the interactions between both government and non-government parties. For completeness, some aspects of regional policy have also been included in the table below.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting Supporting Queensland’s www.lgaq.asn.au September All The LGAQ recommends that the state Resource Regions - 2010 government consider (amongst other points): Recommendations for enhancing local • legislative change, such as amending mining government sustainability in and environmental protection legislation to in regions with current require formal notice to local governments or proposed mining and • the establishment of a long term funding petroleum activity, Local stream for local government to support Government Association infrastructure projects in resource regions in of Queensland, position the order of $150M per annum, or 4.5% of paper, 88 pages mining and petroleum royalties, for five years (Note: recommendations on state policy have not been reproduced here, due to the change to the LNP government in Queensland in 2012) Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, RDA Mackay Isaac May 2012 MIW • Identification and collation of national (4), state Mapping of Regional Whitsunday (12) and local (11) planning documents relevant Strategies and Plans to the region • Some documents may be invalid/superseded due to the change of state government priorities following the 2012 election • Gap analysis was conducted in four pillars (hard infrastructure, economic development, natural assets and social inclusion/wellbeing) John Rolfe & Stewart Australian Coal 2010 All • The broad aim of this project was to assist coal Lockie, 2010, Socio- Association Research mining companies develop effective processes economic Impact Program (ACARP) at for engaging with their communities and Assessment and www.acarp.com.au developing impact assessment and planning Community Engagement processes that can be agreed by their to Reduce Conflict over stakeholders Mine Operations, ACARP research report Chris Moran, Robin Evans, Australian Coal 2009 All • This project had the objective of developing 2009, The Response Association Research an approach to describe the response of the of the Australian Coal Program (ACARP) at Australian coal industry to the sustainable Industry to the Sustainable www.acarp.com.au development agenda. Development Agenda, ACARP research report

10 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Banana Shire Council, http://aphref.aph.gov. September FCW • There are non-existent or poor state planning Submission to the House au/house/committee/ 2011 processes to allow rural Councils to be able of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) to plan and manage growth linked with FIFO/ Standard Committee on resource development Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Australian Services http://aphref.aph.gov. May 2012 All • The ASU recommends the Australian Union, Submission to the au/house/committee/ Government address the conflicting outcomes House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) from 2 areas of planning policy: the conflict Standard Committee on between sustainable regional development Regional Australia, Inquiry planning and national resources management. into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Isaac Regional Council, http://aphref.aph.gov. October MIW IRC suggests (amongst other things): Submission to the House au/house/committee/ 2011 of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) • imposing an immediate moratorium on the Standard Committee on expansion of any further FIFO, BIBO, DIDO Regional Australia, Inquiry workforce residency solutions until a balanced into the use of ‘fly-in, assessment is undertaken of the long term fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce effects of non-resident workforces in resource practices in regional regions; Australia • Developing a sustainable land use strategy for the that guarantees coexistence of urban, agricultural and mining interests maximising the productivity of all sectors simultaneously • Reform QLD mining and planning legislation to ensure the development of the state mineral resources is not disconnected from the maximisation of wealth generation and economic sustainability in the Isaac Region. • Establish an independent planning commission to oversee the development of central Queensland inland cites serving the mineral development of the state. Akbar, D., Rolfe, J. and The Mineral Institute, 2010 FCW, • A ‘pressure-state-response’ approach to Greer, L. [2010], Impact- Australia/ online/ MIW, impact assessment is used to develop an Response-Monitoring authors WBB ‘impact-response-monitoring-evaluation’ Framework – Well-Being of (IRME) framework that can be applied to the Australian, Mining and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of social Regional Communities, impacts. The framework is applied to coal Sustainable Mining resource developments in the Bowen Basin in Conference, Kalgoorlie, Queensland to identify core requirements in a 17-19 August SIMP. The IRME framework is flexible enough to be implemented at various spatial and time scales, for the wellbeing of the local and regional mining and non-mining communities in Australia. The framework can befurther used for regional governance issues.

Regional li 11 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ On-ground programs RDA Regional Roadmap Mackay Isaac 2010/11 MIW Describes the vision for MIW region as: Whitsunday • A vibrant progressive region where community and industry values are respected and balanced with those of the natural environment • Natural assets and resources are responsibly managed • Realising full regional potential through a diversity of industries and employment • A resilient and inclusive region with diversity, choice, and with healthy, active and safe lifestyles RDA Regional Roadmap Fitzroy and Central 2010/11 FCW Describes a vision for a liveable and sustainable West CQ, underpinned by: • Creating social value • Strengthening the region’s economic contribution • Optimising environmental outcomes • Developing a culture of regional policy and innovation RDA Regional Roadmap Wide Bay Burnett 2010/11 WBB Describes regional priorities of: • Strengthening our Regional Profile • Driving Economic Prosperity and Job Creation • Fostering Natural Resource Management and Sustainability • Advancing Education and Training • Supporting our Community and Social Wellbeing Local Government Available for each 2011-12 All • Community plans are a legislative requirement Community Plans local government (various) for Local Governments in Queensland, which area contain information about the current status and aspirational goals for communities, to enable prioritisation of initiatives for social, economic and environmental wellbeing. CQ Regional Planning and Central Queensland Under FCW • The purpose of this project is to develop the Infrastructure Framework Local Government develo- strategic framework and direction for planning Association pment and infrastructure within Central Queensland for the period 2011-2031 (http://www.cqlga. asn.au/) Mackay, Isaac and Department of February MIW Planning for a resilient, vibrant and sustainable Whitsunday Regional Plan State Development, 2012 community Infrastructure and Planning • The Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday state planning regulatory provisions ceased to have (http://www.dlgp. effect on 11 July 2012 qld.gov.au/regional- planning/

12 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Wide Bay Burnett Regional Department of September WBB • ‘Cultivating a strong, health and sustainable Plan 2011 and Wide Bay State Development, 2011 future for the Wide Bay Burnett’ Burnett State Planning Infrastructure and Regulatory Provisions 2011 Planning • Purpose of the plan is to manage regional growth and change in the most sustainable (http://www.dlgp. way to protect and enhance quality of life in qld.gov.au/regional- the region planning/) • The Wide Bay Burnett state planning regulatory provisions ceased to have effect on 16 May 2012 Key data sources

Other projects Central Queensland Members now July 2012 FCW • Will develop the new statutory regional plan Regional Planning being called from for Central Queensland Committee community/industry More information: http://dlgp.qld.gov.au/ regional-planning/ Central Queensland Local na FCW; • Representing and advocating for the needs Government Association MIW of local government and their communities across Rockhampton Regional, Gladstone Regional, Banana Shire, Central Highlands Regional and Isaac Regional Councils Wide Bay Burnett Regional na WBB • Lobbies Australian and State Governments Organisation of Councils on behalf of members Councils (Bundaberg Regional, Fraser Coast Regional, Gympie Regional, North Burnett Regional, South Burnett Regional and Cherbourg Shire Councils) ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

1. There is a large array of planning effort being undertaken, but this doesn’t appear to be cohesive. 2. There appears to be a lack of consistency in governance frameworks, for example, across resource industries, local, state and Australian governments, civil societies and the market 3. Local Government consistently report being placed under increasing pressures to deal with resource sector growth, yet are not being properly resourced to cope

Regional li 13 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 3: Liveability, family and social wellbeing

Synopsis

This thematic area will focus on research, programs, and policies that relate to the provision of key services to assist communities to cope with, and respond to, development in the resources sector. It will include data and statistics on perceived quality of life for regional populations and the non-resident workforce, in relation to environmental, economic, human and social indicators. This section would also include comment on the social infrastructure that is designed to enhance liveability and wellbeing, including both physical buildings (e.g., recreational or community facilities) as well as capacity-building programs.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting MIW Liveability Audit MWREDC; 2008 MIW • The liveability of a region is an important measure of the progress that is being achieved Centre for in not only the provision of built infrastructure Environmental assets but also the sometimes less tangible Management, soft infrastructure assets that constitute the CQUniversity life and soul of a region. • A liveability audit connects objective and subjective measures of a population’s well-being or quality of life with a specific geographic location. Findings from such audits can be used for planning and development for a city or region. In summary the results indicate that: • The average liveability rating across the four dimensions of the MIW region by MIW respondents (54.53%) is higher than that of SEQ region respondents (49.60%). • The Liveability rating from respondents in the and the is very similar but both rate the MIW region lower than respondents from the Isaac region. • The MIW region scores highest in the economic and environment dimensions (56.59%, 55.75%) and the SEQ region scores highest in the economic and human dimensions (51.13%, 50.39%). • The average rating of liveability for all areas surveyed from highest to lowest dimension is economic (54.89%), environment (54.37%), and human (52.33%) and social (50.83%). Measuring Social Griffith University, 2010 All Qld • Overview of measuring liveability Exclusion: Queensland Urban Research Implications – R&D 2010 Program Qld Forum on Community Wellbeing – A/Prof Geoff Woolcock

14 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ CIQ - Community Griffith University; 2010 Gladstone Local Initiatives Indicators Queensland & Isaac CQUniversity (Pilot 2011) • Sunnybank Sustainability Indicators Partners • Bowen Basin mining communities social indicators • Central Queensland indicators of community well-being • Brisbane Community Profiles (Brisbane City Council) • QCOSS Poverty Survey Stakeholders: • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) • Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR) • Queensland Treasury • Queensland Health • Environmental Protection Agency • Department of Communities (including A&TSIS) • Arts Queensland • Department of Premier and Cabinet • Local Government Association Queensland • Individual Councils • QCOSS • EIDOS • Partnerships for Liveable Communities (PLC) Resilience Profiles Project : QCOSS; Griffith 2011-12 FCW - Key Question: Is there a link between socio- Natural Disaster Resilience University R’ton, economic disadvantage (as per SEIFA scale) and Program (NDRP) Western natural disaster vulnerability? Downs & Tablelands Miles, Greer, Kraatz, CQUniversity 2008 FCW • A “Six-by-Six” model was developed to Kinnear, 2008, Measuring measure community wellbeing community wellbeing: A Central Queensland Case • Six domains are constructed to cover Study, Australasian Journal economic, environmental and social wellbeing of Regional Studies, Vol. sections in a balanced manner. 14, no. 1. • The model was demonstrated through case study material from Central Queensland • The future development of the model and its potential for wider applications are also discussed

Regional li 15 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Social Impact of Mining QUT 2011 FCW, • Survey of perceptions of how mining Survey: Aggregate Results MIW developments that rely on non-resident Queensland Communities; workers are impacting on communities. Kerry Carrington & Perceptions found were mostly negative of Margaret Pereira, School of FIFO employee arrangements Justice, QUT June 2011 ‘Coal mining and the CEM 2009 FCW, • The traditional coupling of local economic resource community cycle: MIW vitality and community development to the A longitudinal assessment life cycle of resource projects-the resource of the social impacts of community cycle-was mediated by labour the Coppabella coal mine’, recruitment and social infrastructure policies Environmental Impact that reduced the emphasis on localised Assessment Review, employment and investment strategies, and 29(5), 330-339. Lockie, S., by the cumulative impacts of multiple mining Franettovich, M., Petkova- projects within relative proximity to each other. Timmer, V., Rolfe, J. and Ivanova, G. (2009) • The resource community cycle was accelerated and local communities forced to consider ways of attracting secondary investment and/or alternative industries early in the operational life of the Coppabella mine in order to secure significant economic benefits and to guard against the erosion of social capital and the ability to cope with future downturns in the mining sector. ‘Mining developments CEM 2009 FCW, • In this paper, qualitative social impact and social impacts on MIW assessment techniques have been used to communities: Bowen independently assess post-development Basin case studies’, Rural impacts of mining on six communities in Society, 19(3), 211-228. the Bowen Basin in Queensland, following Petkova, V., Lockie, S., the boom in coal prices between 2003 and Rolfe, J. and Ivanova, G. 2008. The communities are similar in that they all have at least one mine in the vicinity and have more male than female residents but they differ in town histories, and the size plus growth rate of both their permanent and temporary populations. While the mining boom has been generating social and economic impacts, the patterns of the impacts appears to vary across communities depending on the size of the impact, community structure and history, and the extent to which a non-resident workforce is involved. International Mining for UQ, CSRM 2012 MIW • Overview of the social impact assessment Development Centre (Clermont) process and guidelines for best practice. Mining for Development: Guide to Australian Practice: Social impact assessment of resource projects; Daniel Franks Franks, DM, Brereton, D, CSRM; ACARP 2010 CFW, • Overview of cumulative impacts and Moran, CJ, Sarker, T and T, MIW assessment practice – provides a practical Cohen, 2010, Cumulative resource to assist companies and impacts –a good practice governments assess, manage and monitor guide for the Australian the cumulative social, economic and coal mining industry, environmental impacts of large-scale mining at ACARP research report the local and regional scale.

16 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ CPP Evaluation report: CSRM 2009 FCW, An independent review of BMA’s Community Evaluation Report of MIW Partnerships Program (CPP). The purpose of the BMA Community the review was to evaluate the program’s Partnerships Program: A performance against stated objectives, assess Summary the overall structure, balance and cohesion of the CPP and make recommendations about its future focus, including areas for improvement. Key findings of the evaluation report are as follows: • The CPP is highly valued by BMA’s partners. • The CPP has been successful in leveraging matched funding from government departments and local councils. • Despite varying program scopes and capability of partner organisations, most partners were able to demonstrate positive outcomes from their programs. • The current reporting pro forma is regarded negatively by virtually all partners. • Addressing issues of performance measurement and reporting are critical to the future of the CPP. • A great strength of the CPP is its consideration of local community needs and the desire to invest in social programs that are of value to BMA employees and their families. • The CPP must do more to connect sites with stakeholders in Mackay, the regional centre. • BMA should consider proactive project generation to address social issues, instead of relying solely on partners to generate proposals. • BMA should increase the level of engagement of site management in the CPP review process. Family Relationship Centre: ISRD, CQUniversity; 2008/09 FCW An initial exercise to develop meaningful Benchmarking and Action Centacare, Family benchmarked measures by which to evaluate Research; Greer, L., Miles, Relationship Centre the activities of the Rockhampton FRC. The key R., Mann, J., Ronan, K. (Rockhampton) findings of the literature review undertaken in this report, suggest that the following issues are of concern and debate: • Initiatives to support families • Keeping families out of the court system • Child focused mediation • Mediation styles • Compulsory vs. Voluntary mediation Anecdotal evidence of mining workers as clientele however not viewed as disproportionate during research period; requires further empirical investigation.

Regional li 17 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Social issues relating Regional Social March MIW • Review of socio-economic issues facing to permanent and non- Development Centre 2011 mining town communities permanent residents in the mining • Case studies on positive and negative impacts community, Regional (economic advantages, reduced crime, gender Social Development imbalance, violence, alcohol over-consumption, Centre, on behalf of Isaac lack of social integration; staff attraction/ Regional Council retention, declining volunteerism) • Community perceptions study on social issues regarding to non-resident workers Bowen Community Hub Regional Social September MIW • Identified two possible sites, tenants, Feasibility Study, Regional Development Centre 2011 building costs and best practice methods for Social Development development a community hub; inclusive of Centre, for the Bowen neighbourhood and family centre; clinical, Community Council non-clinical, allied health and health promotion Incorporated, 65 pages. service providers, and other social service providers • Further discussion/study is needed in relation to possible land use constraints as well concept design (for example, co-development of artspace/gallery and library). Regional Social Priorities Regional Social March MIW • Five key priority areas were identified (housing, Mackay, Isaac and Priorities Group 2012 homelessness, transport, health care services, Whitsunday affordability), and recommendations provided in regard to tackling these issues. • The report highlights the value of investment in social planning (including the costs of inaction). Report of a Social Facilities Online 2008 MIW • a listing of physical facilities for the provision Infrastructure Audit of of social services in the Mackay Whitsunday the Mackay Whitsunday region, and the planning of future social Region, prepared by the facilities requirements Social Sector Reference Group of the Whitsunday • Existing shortfalls in 2008 were clustered Hinterland and Mackay around youth, neighbourhood, seniors and (WHAM) Regional Plan, 57 community facilities, child care, after-school pages care, cultural services, art galleries/museum/ performing arts spaces, and women’s shelters. Community Attitudes RAPAD - online 2011 FCW • Results of a community survey (n=610) from to Coal Seam Gas and at http://www. the Central West local government areas Coal Mining Activities in rapad.com.au/web/ , guest/policy-and- • Includes responses on issues such as benefits Research report for the submissions and disadvantages of CSG/coal developments, Remote Area Planning and the methods by which the community and Development Board could be more informed (RAPAD) Changing Times Workshop RAPAD - online 2011 FCW • One of the key issues for the community is Report, The Rural Financial at http://www. its ability to manage change (e.g. the host of Counselling Service and rapad.com.au/web/ issues related to resource development) RAPAD guest/policy-and- submissions • There is a difference between ‘chosen’ and ‘unchosen’ change

18 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ FIFO Families, Submission http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • The most pressing issues facing spouses to the House of au/house/committee/ 2011 and partners of FIFO workers are isolation, Representatives Standard ra/fifodido/subs.htm) loneliness, trust and resentment. Exhaustion Committee on Regional from sole parenting during rostered-on periods Australia, Inquiry into the is also a key problem use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in • There is a need to build local community regional Australia groups to support FIFO partners and families Rio Tinto, Submission http://aphref.aph.gov. November MIW; • Mackay and Rockhampton have become the to the House of au/house/committee/ 2011 FCW towns of choice for commuting workers in Representatives Standard ra/fifodido/subs.htm) Central Queensland due to their proximity to Committee on Regional the mines, the coastal lifestyle and access to Australia, Inquiry into the amenities. use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Regional Social http://aphref.aph.gov. October MIW • Lists some key impacts of non-resident Development Centre, au/house/committee/ 2011 workforce on established communities, Submission to the House ra/fifodido/subs.htm) including provision of services, infrastructure of Representatives and housing availability Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry • Provides some strategies to optimise FIFO/ into the use of ‘fly-in, DIDO experiences for employees, families, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce community and industry practices in regional Australia The MAC Services Group http://aphref.aph.gov. October MIW; • Food and service quality in mining Pty Ltd, Submission to the au/house/committee/ 2011 FCW accommodation is critical to the wellbeing of House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) the FIFO/DIDO worker Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Dysart Community Action http://aphref.aph.gov. January MIW • Flow-on impacts of the trend toward non- Association, Submission au/house/committee/ 2012 resident workforce has resulted in only one to the House of ra/fifodido/subs.htm) national service group left in Dysart, and with a Representatives Standard very small membership Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Various Social Impact Hansen & Bailey; 2010 FCW, • The impact assessment quantifies the Assessments: e.g.Socio- Anglo Coal MIW potential positive and negative social and Economic Impact (Grosvenor) Pty Ltd economic impacts associated with the Assessment – Grosvenor construction and operation of the Grosvenor Project; Project. Socio-Economic Impact MacArthur Coal; CEM FCW, • Development of a Social Impact Management Assessment – Codrilla CQUniversity MIW Plan – mitigation of mine development impacts outlined.

Regional li 19 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Socio-Economic Impact McCollum 2010 FCW, • The impact assessment quantifies the Assessment if the Environmental MIW potential positive and negative social and Coppabella underground Services Pty Ltd; economic impacts associated with the project; Akbar, D., Rolfe, CEM CQUniversity construction and operation of the Coppabella J., Ivanova, G., Greer, L., Underground Project. Donaghy, P., Petkova, V. Social Wellbeing in the RDA Mackay Isaac 2012 MIW • Contains the results of an community survey Mackay-Isaac- Whitsunday Whitsunday with 47 respondents Region, September 2012 (Draft report only) • Highlighted social problems within the region, the key challenges for community organisations, and strategies for responding. • Obtaining accurate population counts, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and adopting a collaborative, proactive planning approach were acknowledged as key strategies SEAT Socio Economic Anglo Coal American 2007-2008 FCW, • Assessment of community perceptions of Assessment Toolbox - MIW mine impacts – Standardised tool. Middlemount Akbar, D., Greer, L and CEM, CQUniversity/ 2009 MIW • Overall liveability in MIW region as reported by Rolfe, J.[2009], Capitals in PRSC the respondents has been at an average level. Non-Capitals: Liveability People usually report relatively low level of in Regional Australia, satisfaction with the social and human capitals Pacific Regional Science in the MIW region and high level of satisfaction Conference 2009, Gold with economic and environmental capital. The Coast, 19-22 July. challenge of addressing regional liveability deficiencies largely depends on the capacity of the regions leaders to plan and develop better human and social infrastructures. This requires participation from all tiers of government to adopt a regional development action plan with a view to increase the overall liveability of the region and such a plan will positively impact on the sustainability of the region Key data sources Qld Government initiatives Queensland 2010 All • Q2 targets Government • Communities Statistical Information System (COMSIS), Dept. of Communities • Partnerships Queensland • Office of Economic & Statistical Research (OESR) Social Wellbeing • State of the Environment (SoE) Census data, ABS Australian FCW, • Australian Social Trends, Measures of Government MIW, Australia’s Progress, Regional data WBB OESR, Queensland Queensland Treasury FCW, • Regional data, Non-resident population reports, MIW, Issue specific reports WBB Aboriginal & Torres Strait Queensland FCW, • Government reports and data Islander Affairs Government MIW, WBB

20 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Centre for Environmental CQUniversity FCW, • Various research reports, consultancies, library/ Management MIW, database resources WBB Centre for Socially University of FCW, • Various research reports, consultancies, library/ Responsible Mining Queensland MIW, database resources WBB Regional Economic Regional Economic MIW • Socio-economic data Development Corporation Development of Mackay and Whitsunday Corporation of Mackay and Whitsunday ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

1. There are many anecdotal reports of declining liveability issues relating to resource-based communities. However, there is limited academic work in this area with most policy instead being based on anecdotal evidence and/or political pressure. 2. There has been a tendency to collapse the ‘social’ indicators into measures of hard infrastructure (such as buildings). 3. There is a need for separate subjective and objective measures of liveability and well-being of regional communities, especially under different geographical scale or different sizes of communities. 4. Most studies on liveability is about ‘perceived’ liveability but not real liveability, so there is a need to explore the gap between perceived and real liveability.

Regional li 21 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 4: Indigenous issues

Synopsis

For the purposes of this project, cultural aspects will be defined as only those issues linked with Indigenous peoples, places and/or values. As such, diversity issues will not be included (e.g. skilled migrants, heritage, non- English speaking backgrounds).

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting Queensland Closing the Queensland 2009 Bundaberg, • The report has information on the gap in life Gap Report: 2008/09 Government Fitzroy outcomes between Indigenous and non- Indicators and Initiatives Central Indigenous Queenslanders. It also details for Aboriginal and Torres West, the Queensland Government’s strategies for Strait Islander Peoples Mackay closing the gap W’sunday Isaac Annual Highlights Report Queensland Bundaberg, • The report has been structured by community. for Queensland’s Discrete Government Fitzroy Each community section contains a Indigenous Communities Central community profile, a community highlights for the period July 2010 – West, report by the Government Champion, and June 2011: Incorporating Mackay data in relation to community wellbeing. the Quarterly report on key W’sunday An overview and an examination of general indicators in Queensland’s Isaac trends across six measures are provided from discrete Indigenous 2002/03 where data are available. communities for April - June 2011 Experiences of Indigenous Edited by Kuntala 2011 Interna- This volume presents a selection of papers that Women in the Australian Lahiri-Dutt tional and were presented at an international workshop Mining Industry. In regional on ‘Mining, gender and sustainable livelihoods’, Gendering the Field: Sustainable Minerals perspec- organised to disseminate the results of an Towards Sustainable Institute tives ‘action research’ project. Content areas include: Livelihoods for Mining Communities • Gendering the masculine field of mining for sustainable community livelihoods • Modernity, gender and mining • Bordering on equality: women miners in North America • Sex work and livelihoods: beyond the ‘negative impacts on women’ in Indonesian mining • Experiences of Indigenous women in the Australian mining industry • Indigenous women and mining agreement negotiations • Gender-based evaluation of development projects: the LAST method • Women-owned SMEs in supply chains of the corporate resources sector • On the radar?: gendered considerations in Australia-based mining companies’ sustainability reporting, 2004–2007 • Towards a post-conflict transition: women and artisanal mining Artisanal and small-scale mining: gender and sustainable livelihoods in Mongolia • Gender mainstreaming in Asian mining

22 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Increasing Indigenous Parmenter J and 2007 QLD • This paper draws on three recent studies Female Participation in Kemp D conducted by the Centre for Social Mining - Paper presented Responsibility in Mining (CSRM), each of at the Mineral Conference Sustainable Minerals which has involved participation of Indigenous Australia SD07 conference, Institute women. The aim of the paper is to outline Cairns Oct 29 - Nov 2, some of the issues and challenges faced by 2007. Indigenous women working in mining, and articulate potential strategies for attracting and retaining Indigenous women across all work roles and levels in mining. Limerick M., Tomlinson 2012 WBB, • Provides source material and an analysis of K., Taufatofua R, Barnes FCW trends in Australia regarding the challenges R. and Brereton D. 2012, of negotiating and implementing agreements Agreement-making with with Indigenous groups. Indigenous Groups: Oil and Gas Development in Australia. Brisbane; CSRM. University of Queensland. ISBN number 978-0- 9873402-0-7. Good Practice in Mentoring CSRM 2010 North- • Provides a brief overview of Indigenous of Indigenous Employees; West QLD Mentoring Programs across Australia, Prof David Brereton highlighting key learnings which can provide a (Project Manager); Dr good foundation for a mentor training program Rosemary Taufatofua (Lead and mentoring programs to encourage Author) employment recruitment and retention amongst Indigenous people in the minerals extraction industry. Increasing Indigenous CSRM 2010 MIW; • Provides an overview of Indigenous Employment and FCW involvement in the Bowen Basin coal industry Economic Participation (including the coal seam gas extraction in the Bowen Basin Coal industry) and also documents current or recent Industry: Report: Mr Pat industry and government initiatives aimed at Vidler, URS* increasing that involvement. • Assesses opportunities to achieve a sustainable increase over the longer term in the direct and indirect employment of Indigenous people in the Bowen Basin coal industry (including the coal seam gas extraction sector) and to grow associated Indigenous businesses. • Outlines potential options for a regional initiative for consideration by industry stakeholders.

Regional li 23 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Earth Matters: Indigenous CSRM 2008 All • There is growing interest in improving Peoples, the Extractive indigenous employment levels within mining Industries and Corporate Social Responsibility, • There has been recognition by leading edited book by Ciaran companies of the need to address poor O’Faircheallaigh and socioeconomic conditions in many Aboriginal Saleem Ali. communities. Chapter contribution: • To date little has been done to measure the Indigenous employment benefits of mining employment for individuals outcomes in the Australian or communities, or to identify and analyse mining industry, by Tanuja possible negative impacts. Barker, Centre for Social • More data and information are needed to Responsibility in Mining, inform the design of indigenous employment University of Queensland, programmes to help maximise benefits and Australia minimise adverse impacts for individuals, families and communities. Earth Matters: Indigenous Department of 2008 All regions • The negotiation of legally binding agreements Peoples, the Extractive Politics and Public between Aboriginal peoples and mining Industries and Corporate Policy, Griffith companies is now a central component of Social Responsibility, University, Australia corporate social responsibility (CSR) in settler edited book by Ciaran societies such as Australia and Canada. It is O’Faircheallaigh and also increasingly a legal requirement for the Saleem Ali. granting of mining interests on Aboriginal lands. The making of agreements is generally Chapter contribution regarded as unproblematic and positive in the Understanding corporate literature on CSR and Aboriginal peoples. -Aboriginal agreements on mineral development: a • In reality Aboriginal–mining company conceptual framework, by agreements raise major issues in terms of Ciaran O’Faircheallaigh Aboriginal relations with other political actors and institutions, including government, environmental groups and the judicial system. This chapter examines those implications by modelling changes in an Aboriginal group’s wider political and institutional relations that can follow on from signing an agreement with a mining company. It concludes that, while agreements certainly offer benefits to Aboriginal groups, they can also result in the loss of legal rights and political opportunities. In order to maximise benefits from resource development on their traditional lands, Aboriginal groups need to carefully map, evaluate and develop strategies for dealing with the changes likely to arise from agreements. Considering the CSRM 2008 North • Highlights how the challenges faced by Experience of Indigenous West Qld women working in the Australian mining Women Working in industry can be compounded for indigenous the Australian Mining women due to additional familial and cultural Industry: Gender and responsibilities. It is important that the Mining Conference, ANU, resources industry does not consider gender Canberra; Parmenter, J alone, but includes other intersecting identities and factors such as race, class and the local socio-political and cultural context of the women affected.

24 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Why Cultural Heritage Rio Tinto 2011 Global A guide written specifically for Rio Tinto Matters: Rio Tinto – employees working at Rio Tinto operations Resource Guide: Elizabeth around the world, including FCW and MIW Bradshaw Principal advisor Communities and Cultural Heritage, Rio Tinto elizabeth.bradshaw@ riotinto.com RTCA Aboriginal RTCA & CSRM 2009 FCW, This study identifies and documents, through Community Profile – MIW available information: Bowen Basin – Final Report • a socio-economic profile of the Indigenous communities of Interest connected to the RTCA mining operations • potential opportunities to overcome concerns and strengthen the socio-economic capabilities of the communities of interest • Specific project priorities identified by Indigenous stakeholders which enable more active economic participations. Central Queensland RDAFCW 2011 FCW • The purpose of this Scoping Study was to Indigenous Organisational enhance RDAFCWs Indigenous engagement Engagement Scoping practices and subsequent decision making Study processes by – identifying local representative stakeholders who are willing to work collaboratively with RDAFCW in the provision and receipt of current, valid, inclusive and relevant knowledge transfer. • RDAFCW proposes the establishment of the Central Queensland Indigenous Advisory Reference Group (CQIARG). The Palace Scoping Study RDAFCW 2011 FCW • The purpose of ‘The Palace’ Scoping Study is to provide Regional Development Australia Fitzroy and Central West (RDAFCW) with a level of detailed information on the cultural significance, protocols and required statutory and legislative process that is necessary to assess the level of legal and cultural appropriateness of future development applications. This includes all or parts thereof the noted Aboriginal Rock Art site namely ‘The Palace’. Non-indigenous cultural Archaeo Cultural 2008 FCW, • Impact assessment heritage survey of Heritage Services MIW Ellensfield Coal Mine Project Central Queensland

Regional li 25 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Interactions with RTCA & CSRM 2010 FCW, • The purpose of this study is to provide RTCA’s Indigenous Communities MIW Aboriginal Community Development Funds of Interest in the (ACDFs) with information to contextualise Bowen Basin – Draft Indigenous issues regionally, assist with Supplementary Report identification of priorities for funding, and provide a baseline for evaluation of funded projects. As part of the data collection for the RTCA Aboriginal Community Profile, CSRM undertook a program of intensive face-to- face dialogues with the region’s TOs, service providers, and relevant RTCA employees in operational and supervisory roles. On-ground programs Indigenous Employment Minister for 2011 Bundaberg, • Participants in the project will be supported program: STEPS Truck Start Indigenous Fitzroy with four weeks of pre-employment training IEP Employment Central addressing any barriers to employment they and Economic West, may face. Receive 10 hours of truck driving Development Mackay lessons allowing them to upgrade to a Heavy – Australian W’sunday Rigid or Medium Rigid truck licence. At the Government Isaac conclusion of the project, participants will be individually marketed to potential employers and will continue to be mentored for the first six months of their employment.” • The program has been developed in consultation with local Job Service Australia providers, Skills Training Mackay and local employers and is being managed by Indigenous Employment Provider Steps Disability Inc.,” Senator McLucas said. Indigenous Women in Queensland 2011 MIW • The Indigenous Women in Hard Hats program Hard Hats mining industry Government, QRC & won “Best Company Initiative” in the 2011 program (Burton Mine, Thiess Queensland Resources Council Awards for Central Queensland) Women. Recruitment programs to attract and retain female employees that offer flexible hours, home-based work and financial education assistance. A range of personal protective equipment (PPE) items specifically designed for women Just Futures 2012-2015 Queensland 2012 Bundaberg, • Strategies to improve the well-being, Growing community, Government Fitzroy education and employment and ensure access family, opportunity and Central to a culturally responsive justice system justice for Aboriginal and West, Torres Strait Islander Mackay Queenslanders W’sunday Isaac Alcohol Reforms Queensland 2008 Bundaberg, • The aim of alcohol reforms is to reduce Government (Quarterly Fitzroy alcohol-related harm, especially to children, reports) Central women and other vulnerable community West members. This is being achieved through alcohol restrictions, improved services and partnerships between government and community, including support for positive community actions.

26 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Indigenous Youth Dept. of Education, 2012 Bundaberg, • The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program Leadership Program Employment and ongoing Fitzroy (IYLP) is helping to close the gaps in Workplace Relations Central Indigenous educational disadvantage through West, creating greater access to additional education Mackay choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander W’sunday students. The IYLP supports a number of Isaac Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to attend high performing secondary schools (government and non-government, day and boarding) and/or universities to complete Year 12 and/or an undergraduate degree. Woorabinda Employment CQID Ongoing FCW The program will engage 50 participants for up and training program to 104 weeks and includes four interchangeable stages, allowing participants to move forward or revisit any stage as required. The following training opportunities have been identified by community and industry collectively: • rural operations • civil construction • asset maintenance • community services • hospitality/tourism • administration • primary health • meat processing • mining Key data sources ABS Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres AIATSIS Strait Islander Studies Central Queensland Indigenous Development Nulloo Yumba, CQUniversity Other projects None identified ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

• There are a range of reports available, but most work is outside of the CQ region – tailored datasets and findings are in scarce supply. • There is a sense of commitment to increased participation levels for Indigenous peoples in the resources sector, as well as better cultural outcomes overall in resource-based communities • Despite this, Engagement efforts in regional communities within Central Queensland do not appear to be as mature as those in other places (e.g. Pilbara).

Regional li 27 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 5: Housing

Synopsis

Housing refers to the provision of both residential housing and non-resident accommodation for employees within the resources sector. This includes the status quo of current housing market situation (sales, rent and vacancy rates, price impact and affordability price points), as well as the future demand-and-supply situation such as number of dwellings unit requires, land release, housing lot approval and registration.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting John Rolfe, Miles, R., ISRD, CQU and 2009 FCW, • Long term housing demand for some mining Galina Ivanova, Delwar Queensland MIW towns within the FCW and MIW regions Akbar, Lindsay Greer and Department of Yabsley, E., 2009, Ensuring Tourism, Regional • Housing choice by the mine employees Sustainable Benefits Development and • Socio-economic condition of the mine from Boom Periods: A Industry employees case study for long term housing policy in the Bowen Basin (Final Report prepared for Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, QLD), ISRD, CQUniversity, Rockhampton. Mckenzie, F.H., Phillips, AHURI 2009 MIW • Housing demand predictions R., Rowley, S., Brereton, D. and Birdsall-Jones, C., • Housing market analysis 2009, Housing market dynamics in resource boom towns, AHURI Final Report No. 135, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, AHURI Western Australia Research Centre, Perth. Rolfe, J., Lockie, S., Centre for 2010 FCW; • Long term housing demand for some mining Ivanova, G., Akbar, D., Environmental MIW towns within the FCW and MIW regions Timmer, V., Greer, L., Management, CQU Yabsley, B., and Pudasaini, and ACARP • Housing supply strategy K., (2010), Assessing • Housing choice by the mine employees Housing and Labour Market Impacts of Mining • Decision tree to measure labour and housing Developments in Bowen impacts in the mining towns Basin Communities (Report prepared for Australian Coal Association Research Program), CEM, CQUniversity, Rockhampton. Mackay Regional Council Regional 2010 MIW • Sort-stay accommodation such as hotel and - Mackay Tourism, 2010, Development motel need analysis Mackay Accommodation Corporation, Mackay- Study, Future Needs Whitsunday • Market characteristics Analysis, Regional • An additional 764 rooms required to 2025, Development Corporation, under the minimum growth rate scenario Mackay-Whitsunday (1875 at the high-growth scenario)

28 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Akbar, D., Clarkson, I. and Centre for 2010 FCW, • Impact of global financial crisis in the housing Rolfe, J. (2010) “Impact Environmental MIW market of GFC in Housing Management, Market in Regional CQUniversity and • Housing market trend and pattern Australia: Lessons from Asia- Pacific Network • Driving forces of housing market the Central Queensland”, for Housing Research paper presented at the international Asia-Pacific Network for Housing Research conference, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China, 21-22 August. Rolfe, J., Akbar, D. and Centre for 2012 FCW • Housing demand forecasting for the Gladstone Kabir, Z. (2012): Gladstone Environmental region Population and Housing Management, Study – Social Impact CQUniversity and • Population and price impacts of housing Assessment, (Report Lyons Capital (This is • Forecasting housing price prepared for Lyons a contract research Capital, Melbourne), and therefore it CEM, CQUniversity, requires Lyons Capital Rockhampton. permission to access to this report). Banana Shire Council, http://aphref.aph.gov. September FCW • BSC suggests reinstatement of the tax Submission to the House au/house/committee/ 2011 incentive for resource companies to offset the of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm cost of constructing housing Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia AusIMM Minerals http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • Recommendation to release affordable land in Institute, Submission au/house/committee/ 2011 regional areas with tax incentives to offset the to the House of ra/fifodido/subs.htm additional cost of construction. Representatives Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Gladstone Housing Need Akbar and Rolfe, July 2012 FCW • According to the price point estimation method Analysis CEM, CQUniversity described earlier, we found an affordable price point for rental accommodation is between $305 and $379 while GLNG (2011) estimated this range between 230 and 460. • By 2022, about 12,000 new dwellings need to be built in the . GLNG 2011, GLNG Online 2011 FCW • Affordable price point and housing market Integrated Project Housing analysis for the Gladstone region. Strategy [Online].

Regional li 29 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ On-ground programs National Rental http://www. 2011 All • Addresses shortage of affordable rental Affordability Scheme fahcsia.gov.au/ housing our-responsibilities/ housing-support/ • Incentives for 420 dwellings have been programs-services/ allocated in the regional locations of national-rental- Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay and affordability-scheme Townsville (as at the end of September 2011). Housing Affordability Fund http://www. 2011 All • Designed to assist families and communities fahcsia.gov.au/ to reduce the cost of new homes our-responsibilities/ housing-support/ • In Queensland, $2.5 million has been approved programs-services/ to fund development of 63 affordable housing-affordability- residential lots in the township of Nebo, fund 100km from Moranbah. Key data sources RP Data RP Data Ltd FCW, House sales data MIW, WBB RTA, Queensland Queensland Rental FCW, Rental Information Tenancy Authority MIW, WBB Regional Economic Regional Economic MIW • Socio-economic data Development Corporation Development of Mackay and Whitsunday Corporation of • Housing and accommodation data Mackay and Whitsunday Queensland Government, DEEDI 2011 FCW • Housing demand forecasting and supply 2011, Gladstone Housing strategies Quarterly Report – August 2011, Arrow Energy, Australia Pacific LNG, QGC and DEEDI, Brisbane Urban and Land ULDA 2012 FCW, • Current and potential affordable land Development Authority, WBB, development schemes Queensland MIW OESR OESR, QLD 2012 FCW, • Rental Housing Vacancy Rate WBB, MIW Queensland Government, DEEDI 2012 FCW • Housing demand prediction, supply strategies 2011, Gladstone Housing and the housing market analysis. Quarterly Report – June 2012, Arrow Energy, Australia Pacific LNG, QGC and DEEDI, Brisbane

Gap analysis

1. Housing remains a ‘hot issue’ in many resource-based regions, with anecdotal reports of extreme pressures on housing availability and affordability. 2. A number of research reports are already available which track the drivers and pressures on housing, yet policy development still appears to be slow in responding. Few studies have been done on the impacts of house prices on population increases. 3. There is a lack of integrated housing model for a long term forecast based on life cycle demographic characteristics and the resource boom cycle.

30 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 6: Public health

Synopsis

Public health aspects refer to physical and mental health of the regional population, including residents and employees of resource sector projects, and health/hospital infrastructure.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting Redefining regional KPMG Consultants December FCW • Modelling of infrastructure and services planning: managing 2011 in Isaac Regional Council have shown that change, measuring growth health and emergency services provision (Abridged report for Isaac is significantly undersupplied because of Regional Council) the combined impacts of resident and non- resident demand Moranbah medical, Submission to September MIW • In July 2009, Central Queensland had the Medical services in the House of 2011 higher doctor to patient ratio in Queensland (1: Moranbah and the impact Representatives 1,824), and this shortage is being exacerbated of non-resident workers Standard Committee by the influx of population related to the on Regional Australia, resources boom Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) • Records from this private practice have workforce practices demonstrated an increase of non-resident in regional Australia patients (that is, those with home postcodes (http://aphref.aph.gov. outside of the immediate local area). au/house/committee/ • Almost one-quarter of the patients serviced in ra/fifodido/subs.htm) 2011 were non-resident, compared with 18% in 2007. This overburdening means the practice can no longer offer same-day service to the resident population Autism Queensland, (http://aphref.aph.gov. April 2012 All • Currently there is a shortage of professionals Submission to the House au/house/committee/ with relevant experience and expertise in the of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) field of autism. Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry • Risk factors associated with delivery of into the use of ‘fly-in, Outreach Services. This can include extended fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce hours of travel by road in rural areas where practices in regional mobile coverage is poor, visits to the homes Australia of clients in isolated areas, fatigue due to long days and long periods away from home and challenges finding suitable accommodation, particularly in mining areas where much of the accommodation is booked out months in advance. Australian Services http://aphref.aph.gov. May 2012 MIW • Nebo has medical facilities but no doctor. Union, Submission to the au/house/committee/ Moranbah currently does not have a dentist, House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm the closest being Emerald or Mackay (both Standard Committee on about 200 kilometres distant). Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia

Regional li 31 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Scarlet Alliance, (http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • There is a need for better health promotion Submission to the House au/house/committee/ 2011 approaches in FIFO/DIDO communities, and of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) a need to address the misconceptions about Standard Committee on reproductive health (e.g., incidence rates for Regional Australia, Inquiry STDs) into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia AYAC (Australian Youth (http://aphref.aph.gov. March All • One off interventions, check-ups and Tele/ Affairs Coalition), au/house/committee/ 2012 DIDO/FIFO do have a strong place in servicing Submission to the House ra/fifodido/subs.htm) remote and rural communities, but this should of Representatives not be conducted at the expense of face to Standard Committee on face services built on strong relationships, Regional Australia, Inquiry community partnership and trust, and ongoing into the use of ‘fly-in, sustainable services. fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Queensland Nurses’ (http://aphref.aph.gov. October MIW • Focus on Belyando Shire (Moranbah) Union, Submission to the au/house/committee/ 2011 House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) • The lack of a permanent workforce in mining Standard Committee on communities restricts the expansion of, health, Regional Australia, Inquiry emergency and other critical services and puts into the use of ‘fly-in, added pressure on existing services. fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce • Increase in alcohol related violence and practices in regional substance abuse by non-resident workers, Australia which strains the under-resourced health system • The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATODS) Service has reported an increase in alcohol-related injury, and workplace referrals for employees who return a positive drug or alcohol test

32 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ National Rural Health (http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • Fly-in fly-out or drive-in drive-out health Alliance, Submission to the au/house/committee/ 2011 services should not be seen as replacement House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) for personalised, hands-on healthcare. Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry • Major shortages exist in the rural and remote into the use of ‘fly-in, health workforce fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce • Health staff that travel long distances to practices in regional service FIFO communities face safety and Australia OHS issues NHRA recommends that: • the full costs of providing outreach and locum services in rural and remote communities must be recognised in rural and remote health funding programs • Each Regional Development Australia committee have a health focus in its Strategic Plan • Medicare Locals should be encouraged and enabled (including through appropriate funding) to work with Local Hospital Networks and Regional Development Australia committees to ensure that health service planning is based on full population needs at local and regional level (including FIFO workers) • Further research is conducted on the physical and mental health of non-resident workers and their families Regional sustainability: CEM, CQUniversity 2011 FCW • In the mining towns, such as in Moura, There Developing service is a clear demand from residents to improve optimization model for the GP and hospital services, and to introduce the mining towns in better dental, and pre and post natal services. queensland – a case study This could alleviate some stresses in this of moura mining community. • This study suggests an upgrade to Moura Hospital, with some additional services of dental, pre and post natal. If this is not economically feasible (as this study did not conduct a cost effectiveness study), then the Hospital can be upgraded with some additional services and beds and with adequate public transport facilities between Moura and Biloela may be sufficient. Current GP services need to be updated at any cost; as this is the most frequented service and many non-residents utilise this service. Local government, mining industries and the medical service provider should work together to ensure an adequate quality and quantity of general practitioners in Moura.

Regional li 33 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ On-ground programs None identified specific to cumulative impacts / resource sector Key data sources Medicare Local Offices / Regional Health Boards Queensland Council of Social Services Other projects Susan Kinnear, Zobaidul CQUniversity Due for ALL • Cumulative health impacts of resource Kabir, Lisa Bricknell, Julie publication development are emerging as a key challenge Mann, in preparation, November for public health practice in regional Australia Managing the cumulative 2012 impacts of resource • The possibility for cumulative health impacts development on public to be incorporated into existing social impact health: an Australian mitigation plans (SIMPs) will be explored, perspective, book chapter thereby allowing a combination of government, in Rodriguez-Morales proponent and community-led responses to be (Editor), Current Topics brought to bear on this problem. in Public Health, InTech Publishing, ISBN 980-953- 307-868-2 ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

1. There appears to be a shortage of ‘real’ data on public health, with much of the information relating to public health pressures being anecdotal. However, there is the potential for data to be captured relatively easily, for example, by capturing postcode information from patients, or by conducting research that allows the experiences of regional health practitioners to be documented and analysed. 2. The cumulative health impacts of the resource sector include employee, resident and wider community risks. 3. Very few studies have been conducted on how this sector has been operating in terms of providing optimum level of services.

34 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 7: Workforce planning, skills and education

Synopsis

This thematic area will explore data and statistics relating to employment figures, job creation programs, skilling and training initiatives, and modelling of workforce requirements and demand specifically as they relate to the resources sector. It will also provide comment on the indirect and/or flow impacts on other sectors. In addition, education will refer to the number of childcare and kindergarten, primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education establishments and programs within the region, as well as student numbers.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting J Descovich & H Norris, By request from RDA 2012 MIW; • Catalogue of current and proposed workforce 2012, A Report of the FCW development initiatives in the region across all Regional Engagement industry sectors for the Central • Comments on future workforce requirements Queensland Resource across all industry sectors by reviewing major Catchment Workforce projects and current and projected skills Development Strategy, shortages RDA, 172 pages Leading Practice Principles Available QRC March ALL • Sixth edition for Attracting and Retaining website http://www. 2012 Women in the Minerals qrc.org.au/01_cms/ • Reports that 11% of non-traditional roles and Energy Sector details.asp?ID=3014 (engineering, geology, trades) are now held by women • The QRC target for 2020 is to increase this further to 20% • Notes QRC’s participation in the Australian Women in Resource Alliance (Australian funded initiative) Regional Skills Audit, On request from 2010 MIW • This audit conducted because skilled labour MWRDEC MWREDC shortages were identified as one of the key issues facing the MIW region • Future needs analysis suggests 16,116 construction and 24,920 operational workers required • Provides a list of top-20 occupations in demand across all sectors (combined) • Skills requirements identified for key sectors • Strategies identified for attraction/retention

Regional li 35 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Wide Bay Burnett RDA Wide Bay 2011 WBB • The region has persistent high levels of Resource Sector Burnett unemployment and an historically low labour Opportunity Study force participation rate • The regional labour force is approximately 130,000 people • Approximately 60,000 construction positions plus a further 30,000 full-time operational jobs once construction is completed, in the identified “Economic Zones of Opportunity” • Flow-on impacts are additional to those figures • There is a strong opportunity for Wide Bay Burnett regions to services the Surat Basin (DIDO), Gladstone (DIDO), and the Bowen and Galilee Basins (FIFO), but housing availability remains an issue. Wide Bay Burnett RDA Wide Bay 2013 WBB • identifies the key barriers and opportunities for Workforce Mobility Study Burnett this region’s mobile workforce, and suggests recommendations for how these might be addressed. • Establishing direct FIFO access from the WBB region to worksites was identified as a critically important Wide Bay Burnett RDA Wide Bay 2013 WBB • Companion document to that listed above Workforce Development Burnett Jobs and Skills Matching • Involved an online survey to better understand Study the profile of job seekers within WBB and their work-readiness for resource sector positions • Culminated in a series of recommendations focus on identifying and removing barriers for WBB jobseekers to enter the resource sector workforce Peter Lugg, Dewen Liu, Australian Coal 2008 All • Investigates the impacts of the skills shortage Rebecca Hill, 2008, Skills Association Research on the productivity of longwall faces. The Shortage - Identification Program (ACARP) at scope is limited to the supervisors and crews of Needs for Engineering www.acarp.com.au that operate maintain and procure the longwall Training in Longwalls, face equipment. Research report for ACARP Makiela, S., Akbar, D. and Centre for 2008 FCW, • Number and type of regional schools that Greer, L. (2008): Priority Environmental MIW, deserve PCAP funding Country Area Program Management, (PCAP) Funding Eligibility CQUniversity • Number of students in those schools Model (Report prepared for and Queensland Department of Education Department of and Training, QLD). Education and Queensland Department of Training Education and Training. Greer, L., Akbar, D. Centre for 2009 FCW, • Factors of attraction and retention of high and Miles, R. (2009): Environmental MIW, school teachers in regional Queensland Attracting and retaining Management, specialists’ teachers and CQUniversity • Teachers’ characteristics non-teaching professionals and Queensland in Queensland secondary Department of schools. Queensland Education and Department of Education Training and Training.

36 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Rolfe, J., R. Lawrence, D. Centre for 2010 FCW, • Work force forecasting for the resources Gregg, F. Morrish and G. Environmental MIW, sector in Queensland Ivanova (2010) Minerals Management, WBB and Energy Resources CQUniversity and The Sector in Queensland Eidos Institute Economic Impact Study, report prepared for the Queensland Resources Council, The Eidos Institute, Brisbane. Akbar, D., Mann, J. Centre for 2011 FCW, • Workforce demand forecasting for clean coal and Kinnear, S., (2011), Environmental MIW, and natural gas power generation sectors in Workforce modelling and Management, WBB Queensland skills development In CQUniversity Queensland’s clean coal and Energy Skill • Construction and operation labour force for and natural gas power Queensland newly planned power generation across generation sectors, Queensland Skill Development for a Low Carbon Economy, Report for Energy Skills Queensland, CEM, CQUniversity, Rockhampton. Workforce Accommodation Queensland 2012 FCW, • Current and projected workforce in the Arrangements in the Resources Council MIW, resource sectors across Queensland Queensland Resources WBB Sector • FIFO/DIDO Workforce Rolfe, J and Rose, A., Centre for 2012 FCW • Workforce and population forecasting for the 2012, Workforce and Environmental Surat basin region population forecasting for Management, the Surat basin region, CQUniversity CEM, CQUniversity AusIMM Minerals http://aphref.aph.gov. October All Recommendations to: Institute, Submission au/house/committee/ 2011 to the House of ra/fifodido/subs.htm • Support the development of affordable 24/7 Representatives Standard childcare facilities and recreational facilities to Committee on Regional support shift workers. Australia, Inquiry into the • Remove fringe benefit tax on employer- use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) provided childcare centres. workforce practices in regional Australia • Allow 100% deductibility of the costs of childcare if both parents are in full-time • Employment in regional Australia. Whitsunday Industrial http://aphref.aph.gov. October MIW • the impact on communities sending large Workforce Development, au/house/committee/ 2011 numbers of FIFO/DIDO workers to mine Submission to the House ra/fifodido/subs.htm sites might include loss of skills from of Representatives regional areas, and the need for specialised Standard Committee on skills development and training in mobile Regional Australia, Inquiry employment into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia

Regional li 37 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Kinetic Group*, http://aphref.aph.gov. May 2012 All • Recruitment selection processes are the Submission to the House au/house/committee/ same for FIFO/DIDO as for regular employees of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm – this leaves no ability to screen candidates Standard Committee on specifically for their suitability for FIFO/DIDO Regional Australia, Inquiry work practices. into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce • People in regional communities have little or no practices in regional chance to develop the skills required by mining Australia companies to support career development in the resources sector. This could be addressed *Formerly, the Mining by using automation technology-assisted Industry Skills Centre training (e.g. simulation/automation) to help develop a local workforce Skills Australia, Submission http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • the extent to which the resources sector to the House of au/house/committee/ 2011 utilises the FIFO and DIDO workforce is not Representatives Standard ra/fifodido/subs.htm well documented Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the • Skills Australia recommended more data to use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) be collected to define the extent of FIFO and workforce practices in DIDO workforce nationally on a regular basis regional Australia Dysart Community Action http://aphref.aph.gov. January MIW • Flow-on impacts of extreme housing costs Association, Submission au/house/committee/ 2012 include loss of teachers at Dysart school, and to the House of ra/fifodido/subs.htm) 75 families leaving the primary/state high Representatives Standard schools Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia Central Highlands Skills Central Highlands August FCW • 83 businesses participated in the survey Needs Survey Analysis Development 2012 Corporation (www. • Lack of affordable accommodation is a key chdc.com.au) factor in attraction/retention for regional businesses • Lack of support services is also key in attraction/retention, and this problem is outstripping the perceived ‘lifestyle’ benefits of the Central Highlands • Most businesses expect ongoing business development and growth, but are uncertain about available service/assistance programs • There are low rates of employing trainees & apprentices, due to both financial and bureaucratic reasons • 93% of businesses seed trades, degree or certificate qualified staff • Creative advertising is being used by some businesses, but incentives/assistance would be particularly welcome in this area

38 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ On-ground programs Application for Funding RDA Wide Bay WBB • Position commencing October 2012 for a Fly In-Fly Out (FIFO) Burnett Coordinator Clermont and District FCW • In July 2012, received a $10,000 financial grant Education Group from Isaac Regional Council to help local youth pursuing post-high school education, training and vocation goals. Key data sources OSER http://www.oesr.qld. 2011 • The Bowen and Galilee Basins Population gov.au/ Report, 2011 presents full-time equivalent population estimates and projections of the non-resident workforces (fly-in/fly-out, drive- in/drive-out) for these important resource regions. The supply and uptake of worker accommodation and place of residence of resource industry workers are also analysed. This information is based on OESR’s annual surveys of resource companies and commercial accommodation providers. 2012 • The Queensland Regional Profiles product has expanded to include a new one-page summary ‘Snapshot’ feature. Users can create a Snapshot summary for their region of interest, presenting the latest available data on population estimates and projections, unemployment and the labour force, and building approvals. ABS (Australian Bureau of www.abs.gov.au/ 2012 All 6202.0 - Labour Force, Australia, May 2012 Statistics) ausstats 2012 All 1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2012 • Chapter 2 Society-Labour • Chapter 7 Population • Chapter 12 Education and Training Janet Phillips and Harriet Available online at Non- • Overview of skilled migration history and Spinks, 2012, Skilled http://www.aph.gov. specific reforms migration: temporary au/About_Parliament/ • Recent policy changes to the skilled migration and permanent flows to Parliamentary_ category highlight the relationship between Australia Departments/ immigration and the labour market needs of Parliamentary_ the Australian economy. Library/pubs/BN/2011- • Whether these reforms will have the desired 2012/SkilledMigration effect of filling critical shortages in the Australian labour market (particularly in regional Australia) remains to be seen. ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

1. Workforce planning has received reasonable attention in recent years, with several commissioned reports. 2. However, there is still a need to understand specific occupational needs across different sectors; and to understand the role of specific subgroups in workforce planning (e.g. aged, disability, Indigenous). 3. The potential for shared skilling development (e.g. between mining and agriculture) could be explored 4. There is a need for whole-of-region solutions to workforce planning, based on a collaborative approach across stakeholders.

Regional li 39 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 8: Transport and development infrastructure

Synopsis

This thematic area will be taken to include physical infrastructures such as transport development projects (road, rail, seaport and airport) and urban development projects related to the resources sector. Infrastructure for water and energy transmission considered under point nine. The thematic area also considers digitally-enabling infrastructure, since this is recognised as a key element in the development of regional communities.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting Baker, D., and Donnet, Journal homepage 2012 All • Focuses on governance issues for regional T., 2012 in press, (subscribers only) airports, with local governments often Regional and remote responsible for managing airports, despite not airports under stress in having the skills to do so. Australia, Research in Transportation Business • Examines deregulation of regional airports and Management XX:xx-xx • Notes that economic efficiency arguments for regional airports don’t adequately reflect the range of social benefits that these facilities provide (e.g. as bases for medical and emergency services) • Lack of maintenance funding is a problem, particularly as high growth is being experienced in regional passenger numbers. • A Rapid response to market changes (e.g. FIFO) is needed Whitsunday Regional http://aphref.aph.gov. January MIW • Proserpine, Collinsville and Bowen airports Council. Submission to the au/house/committee/ 2012 experiencing high in-bound growth during the House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm construction phase of mining operations Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry • Infrastructure upgrades will also be required to into the use of ‘fly-in, cope with this growth fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce • Air connections to other regional centres will practices in regional also be required as this workforce transits to Australia other construction sites (e.g. Alpha) • DIDO work practices has flow-on effects for road transport safety Australian Services http://aphref.aph.gov. May 2012 All • Proserpine, Collinsville and Bowen airports Union, Submission to the au/house/committee/ experiencing high in-bound growth during the House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm construction phase of mining operations Standard Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry • Infrastructure upgrades will also be required to into the use of ‘fly-in, cope with this growth fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce • Air connections to other regional centres will practices in regional also be required as this workforce transits to Australia other construction sites (e.g. Alpha) • Aviation security is a key issue

40 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Regional Economic Website 2009 MIW • Presents blue print for the freight transport Development Corporation network to facilitate and promote region’s (REDC), The Mackay- continued economic growth. Whitsunday-Isaac Freight Transport - Strategic • Put some strategic directions (Fright efficient Directions, Queensland, network, master planning) in response to the Australia (including future demand. companion technical report on economics of freight transport). REDC, 2010, Impacts Website 2010 MIW • Identified infrastructure requirements based on of Growth-future committed projects in the region as identified requirements and Regional in the Regional Development Register, and recommendations, Mackay Economic Baseline Audit (2008). and Whitsunday, Australia. • A number of projects will be implemented which will have impacts in terms of increasing population in the MIW regions, pressure on water and existing infrastructure. To address this pressure, more infrastructures are required such as road and rail construction, housing development. Queensland Government, Council Website 2011 Wide Bay • Focus on the development directions 2011, Wide Bay Regional Burnett and desired regional outcomes in term Plan-Cultivating a strong, of sustainability and natural resource healthy and sustainable management in response to the future growth future for the Wide Bay in the region. Burnett, Australia. • Demand and construction of affordable housing and creation of construction services Queensland Government, Website 2009 MIW, • Provides key road construction projects under Roads Implementation WBB, the Transport Infrastructure Development Program; 2009-2014, FCW Scheme (TIDS) for the period (2009-2014) in Department of Transport order to manage the impacts of urban traffic and Main Roads. growth. Queensland Government, Website 2009 Mackay • Listed a number of projects in water, energy 2009, Northern Economic and transport sectors under construction. Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2007-2012: Progress Report 2009- 2010, Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Queensland. Whitsunday Regional Online 2010 W’sunday • Determined accommodation and community Council and Department infrastructure needs in order to address the of Infrastructure areas of significant potential impacts and Planning, 2010, Bowen Abbot Point • Identified gaps in current and future supply Accommodation and • Suggest potential solutions for future Community Infrastructure accommodation and community infrastructure Study-Final Report. issues

Regional li 41 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Miles, RL and Kinnear, Online 2008 • This report provides an extensive S., 2008, Sustainable socioeconomic characterisation of the Bowen Regional Development in Basin and discusses the key challenges in the Bowen Basin-A Strategic context of sustainability Issues Paper, CQUniversity Australia. • The ability of Australian coal producers to maintain Australia’s position as a leading coal exporter and respond to the growth in global coal consumption is contingent on a number of factors. These include the timely and responsive development of new mines and supporting rail and port infrastructure, access to water resources and the availability of skilled human resources Queensland Government, Website 2007 Wide Bay • Identifies strengths and challenges in terms of 2007, Wide Bay Burnett Burnett transporting goods, people and services Integrated Transport Plan 2026- a Discussion Paper • Proposed a list of actions/projects related to high ways, link roads, freights, ports and railways in order to meet the infrastructural development demand Regional Development RDA (jointly between 2011 MIW, • Projected investment in resource Australia, National Freight Townsville and North FCW developments in the region to 2015 in the Strategy Discussion Paper West Queensland; order of $107b Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; and • The current freight network is restricting Fitzroy and Central growth, and growth pressures are likely to be West) linked with increased potential for delays and failures • The region is co-operatively developing a fifty year strategy for transport including freight across the entire region John Rolfe, Rebecca CQUniversity or 2011 FCW • Examined the economic costs of transport Gowen, Susan Kinnear, Capricorn Enterprise corridor closures at Rockhampton, Central Nicole Flint and Wilson Queensland, as a consequence of peak Lui, 2011, Assessing flooding in the Fitzroy River during January the regional economic 2011 impacts of flood interruption to transport • The impacts of the transport corridor closures corridors in Rockhampton, at Rockhampton in January 2011 cost the CQUniversity and Rockhampton economy approximately $35 Capricorn Enterprise million, and the wider Queensland economy a further $45.7 million, for a total of $80.7 million • Direct impacts included lost coal production, lost agricultural production, damaged infrastructure and the emergency response and avoidance costs • Indirect impacts included difficulties in moving workers to western mining sites during transport closures

42 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Australian Department http://aphref.aph.gov. October FCW • Airline data shows 33.1% growth in one-way of Infrastructure and au/house/committee/ 2011 services from Brisbane to Gladstone, and Transport, Submission ra/fifodido/subs.htm 34.3% growth for Brisbane to Emerald to the House of Representatives Standard • However, the number of airlines servicing Committee on Regional regional airports is in decline (at the national Australia, Inquiry into the level) use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce practices in regional Australia CFMEU (Mining and http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • The CFMEU recommends that the Energy and Construction au/house/committee/ 2011 Government ensures that accommodation and General Divisions), ra/fifodido/subs.htm villages have access to modern digital Submission to the House technology so as to permit FIFO workers of Representatives and their families to overcome the tyranny Standard Committee on of distance and enhance their opportunities Regional Australia, Inquiry to communicate with each other, and that into the use of ‘fly-in, corporations that use FIFO are obliged to fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce provide this technology practices in regional Australia • The CFMEU also recommends that the Government undertakes a study of the incidence of road accidents in the Bowen Basin with the objective of determining whether there is a correlation between the incidence of road accidents and “drive-in, drive out” and, if so, identifies the cause and make recommendations to overcome those causes National Tourism Alliance http://aphref.aph.gov. October All • FIFO arrangements distort aviation capacity (NTA), Submission to the au/house/committee/ 2011 and movements for non-mining areas House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm Standard Committee on • Flights are usually based around shift changes Regional Australia, Inquiry during the week, making it difficult to get seats into the use of ‘fly-in, that suit tourism operators around weekends fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce • Prices for airline seats are increasing as practices in regional the demand from the mining and related Australia businesses increases. In addition, consequent airport pricing also pushes up prices overall as they try to deal with the logistics of crowding, passenger facilitation and parking Queensland Resources QRC online November All • Covers industry figure on capital expenditures Council 2011 and implications for transport infrastructure • Port and rail are the key areas to be impacted by further expansion On-ground programs Mackay Regional Council, Website 2011 Mackay • Provides a vision of future infrastructure in 2011, Tomorrow’s Mackay- Mackay region by 2031 a vision for the community- Our Community Plan • Identified priority infrastructure investment 2011-2031, Queensland, include delivery of water and treatment of, Australia. construction of necessary roads, bike ways and footpaths, public transport networks, rail, port and airport, drainage networks maximise the urban land

Regional li 43 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Road implementation www.dlgp.qld.gov.au/ 2009-10 to WBB Major challenges facing the region include program in Wide Bay regional../wide-bay- 2013-14 Burnett Region burnett-regoinal-plan • Supporting economic development by assisting freight movement • Maintaining and managing the ageing road network • Ensuring safe and efficient travel • Target the region of accident-prone areas Major Projects Report Queensland Key infrastructural projects in Mackay (Port 2012 in Queensland major contractors projects): association, www. gmca.com.au • Abbott point T0, T2 and T3 coal terminals • Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal • Hay Point Coal Terminal Stage 3 • Rail projects: • Alpha Coal Project ( rail component) • BHP Billiton Goonyella to Abbot Point Rail Project • and Rail Project • China First ( Northern Export Facility) Project Regional Development Website • The report offers action plan for critical Australia, 2011, Regional infrastructure to support the growth of the Road Map V1.1- Wide Bay region e.g. upgrade of the Bruce Highway, Burnett increased utilisation of the Port of Bundaberg, upgrade to regional road network, utilisation of existing rail network • The report proposed to develop required evidence based materials to support the proposals for further investment in regional infrastructure Australian Department http://aphref.aph.gov. MIW MIW • Safety Works, south of Infrastructure and au/house/committee/ west from Mackay – early planning stage Transport, Submission ra/fifodido/subs.htm) only; involves a series of safety works aimed to the House of at assisting freight movements from mining Representatives Standard regions as well as the DIDO workforce Committee on Regional Australia, Inquiry into the • $120 million in Australian funding under the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) Regional Infrastructure Fund workforce practices in regional Australia Strengthening Aviation All All • Funding of up to $650,000 for a full suite of Security Initiative security equipment to all airports required to commence screening as a result of the Aviation White Paper (particularly in response to closed charter large aircraft for FIFO operations)

44 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Key data sources Queensland Resources QRC online at http:// All All • Economic and legislative trends, industry Council, State of the www.qrc.org. news, key indicators (e.g. production and value Sector Report au/01_cms/details. of production indices asp?ID=3013 Infrastructure Australia http://www. infrastructureasutralia .gov.au Australian Department All • Economic analysis, research and statistics of Infrastructure and Transport, Bureau of • Aviation, maritime and rail transport data Infrastructure, Transport collections and Regional Economics (BITRE) Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Regional Economic MIW • Contains information on key developments in Regional Development Development the Mackay‐Isaac‐Whitsunday region Register Corporation Mackay and Whitsunday ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

Infrastructural development has been underway in all the regions (Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Central West and Wide Bay Burnett) in response to mining boom. However, some of the existing gaps include: • A lack of information about disaster management (e.g. flood) related infrastructure. • A lack of information about the integrated infrastructure planning and development across the regions and subregions. For example, this might include a new demand modelling study should be conducted for the Bruce Highway, including identifying the necessary steps to improve its current condition from Gympie to Cairns. • Airports are a key issue, particularly due to growth in FIFO service requirements. • Strategies to ensure safe and efficient travel. For example, to date, there have been no studies on non- motorised or ‘active transport’ systems within the local community, which should have a priority given the strong linkages with both human health and well-being outcomes. • Next to nothing could be sourced about the cumulative, resource development-based impacts and drivers for ICT infrastructure. • There is a lack of assessment of cumulative impacts. At the project level, EIA or SIA have limited scope to assess the cumulative impacts. As EIS assessments are generally constrained to the project level, there is a tendency to focus on the impacts of a particular project. Thus, the potential cumulative impacts from multiple projects within a region do not appear to be adequately considered. However, CQUniversity is currently in negotiations for a new research project on cumulative impacts of resource sector growth on regional transport systems.

Regional li 45 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 9: Water and energy

Synopsis

This thematic area may deal with changes in supply/demand pressures, as well as the reliability and quality of supply through existing and planned regional infrastructure. Information on ‘water’ will be collated in regards to freshwater, estuarine/coastal and near shore marine environments (e.g. the Great Barrier Reef). Information on energy will include both renewable and non-renewable sources where available and relevant.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting Deloitte Access QRC online November All • Covers industry figure on capital expenditures Economics, Queensland 2011 and implications for water and energy Resource Sector State Growth Outlook • Electricity demand projected to grow at annual Study, prepared for the average of 4.3% per annum (to reach 13,278 Queensland Resources MW in 2020/21) Council, 87 pages • Most publicly announced major generation projects are not yet committed, or are early- stage • Projections show that regional capacity for electricity is unlikely to meet expected demand by 2015/16, with the problem worsening to 2020/21 • Central Queensland will require the largest volume of water, particularly between 2013- 15, but water constraints are not expected if planned projects go ahead • Flexibility in water allocations amongst resource projects will be useful in managing water efficiently C Cote, C Moran, E Australian Coal 2009 All The objectives of the project were to: Gozzard, A Craven, J Shih, Association Research 2009, Understanding Program (ACARP) at • Extend the information base on leading Leading Practice in Water www.acarp.com.au practices to improve confidence that industry Management, ACARP leaders have been identified; research report • Explain leading practice indicators and communicate how they are being achieved; and • Capture this knowledge in an on-line information system accessible to industry. • A total of 26 mines have been included from three regions: North Bowen Basin, South Bowen Basin and Hunter & Southern Coalfield Larelle Fabbro, L Unwin, Australian Coal 2008 FCW, • This project was undertaken to address LJ Barnett, L Young, N Orr, Association Research MIW improvement in water quality of pit and 2008, Mine Water Quality Program (ACARP) at recycled mine waters in the Bowen Basin and - Spread of Blue-Green www.acarp.com.au included a detailed study of issues related to Algae, ACARP research the toxicity and management of blue-green report algae.

46 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Clint McCullough, Mark Australian Coal 2008 MIW • Coal mine lakes represent a potentially Lund, Joel May, 2008, Association Research valuable resource to both the environment and Treating Acidity in Coal Pit Program (ACARP) at the community in inland Australia, if the water Lakes Using Sewage and www.acarp.com.au can be remediated to an appropriate standard Green Waste: Microcosm for its proposed end use. and Field Scale Trials at Collinsville Coal Project • This approach focused primarily on additions of (Queensland), ACARP organic material to support sulphate reducing research report bacteria (SRB) which convert sulphate back to sulphides, removing acidity and metals in the process. Rolfe, J., Wake, J., Website 2008 MIW • This report deals with the water quality issue Higham, W., Windle, J., that affect sugar production in Mackay and and Trendell, P., 2008, Best Whitsunday region. management practice adoption in the sugar • A number of water quality issues were industry for improving identified including pollutant released by water quality: The Mackay industries including mining. Nutrient loads are Whitsunday region, An now several times greater than pre-European initiative of the Consortium levels. for Integrated Resource • In order to address the issues, this report Management (CIRM), offers a best management practice (BMP) Queensland, Australia. that may improve the sugar productions. The BMP include irrigation, soil and chemical management. Queensland Government, Website 2012 MIW • Identifies principles, policy, and program 2012, Mackay, Isaac and for water bodies (water ways, wetland Whitsunday Regional and estuaries) that are of high ecological Plan, Planning for resilient, importance. vibrant and sustainable community, Queensland • Proposes monitoring for water quality though Australia. the development of regional targets for water quality and waterway health. Drewry, J., Higham, W., Website 2007 MIW • The plan aims to improve long-term water Rohde, K., and Masters, quality in the region’s freshwater catchments B., 2007, Water Quality and estuaries. Improvement Plan: Turning Environmental Values into • This report contains technical details on the Water Quality Objectives development of the Water Quality Objectives, and Targets (draft technical current condition and targets in the Mackay report), Queensland, Whitsunday region for: Australia Government. o ambient freshwater o event-based end-of-catchment freshwater o marine event plume o the ambient marine environment

Regional li 47 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Queensland Government, Council Website 2008 MIW • The Ambient Monitoring Program is a 2008, Mackay Whitsunday cooperative program between Australian, state Healthy Waterways, and local governments, as well as volunteers Ambient Monitoring within the local community Program Regional, Australia. • This report provides an overview of the ambient physico-chemical parameters which were sampled from various freshwater rivers, streams and creeks in the Mackay Whitsunday region. The findings include: • Relatively uniform water temperatures across the majority of sites and land uses. • Low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were prevalent for the vast majority of sites, with DO concentrations outside Central Queensland Water Quality Guidelines on 50% of occasions. • Electrical conductivity (EC) varied among sites with high readings from various sites caused by groundwater influence or catchment geology. • pH values were within the Central Queensland water quality guideline range on 50% of occasions at each site. • Filterable reactive phosphorus (FRP) levels were higher in urban catchments or areas where point source pollution was an influence. • Water clarity was consistently good across all land use types where substantial groundcover was prevalent.

48 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Galea, L., Pepplinkhouse, http://www. 2004 MIW • Aims to improve water quality in Mackay/ D., Loft, F and Follkers, A., derm.qld.gov.au/ ongoing Whitsunday region 2008, Mackay Whitsunday science/projects/ Healthy Waterways, mackaywhitsunday/ • Identified a number of issues related to water Baseline Monitoring index.html pollution such as cultivation and land use for Program Regional report, other purposes (e.g. housing). Queensland Government, • Identified strategies of monitoring Australia • Key findings of monitoring : • Relatively uniform ranges in water temperatures across the majority of sites and land uses. • Great variability between individual sites and land uses with regard to dissolved oxygen. • pH levels from all land-use categories were well within the central Queensland water quality range (6.5 – 8.0) on 50% of occasions, with the larger majority falling within guideline range on 80% of occasions. • Great variability with regards to electrical conductivity was evident between individual sites and land uses. • TSS was consistently low, with a collective median level of 4.8 mg/L from intensively cropped catchments. • Nutrient concentrations were higher at intensively cropped sites, particularly after substantial rainfall events. Queensland Government, Website 2006 Mackay • The aim of this plan is to improve the tourism 2006, Mackay W’sunday in the region. Whitsunday Regional Tourism Investment and • The lack of infrastructure led development Infrastructure Plan: 2006- resulting in infrastructure capacity (potable 2016. water, marine aquatic) problems in prime locations such as Airlie Beach. • Under this plan projects were proposed on including supply of potable water to the regions (the Burdekin Dam Pipeline Project and/or support for water recycling). Queensland Government, Google 2009 Fitzroy • The provision of existing was critically 2009, Fitzroy Basin Draft Central reviewed against the findings of social and Water Resource Plan- West economic assessment report in order to Socioeconomic Stage 1 develop a new plan. Baseline Report, Australia. • Survey evidence suggests that permanent water trading, which was introduced through the Fitzroy WRP 1999, has worked well in the Fitzroy catchment in terms of participants selling surplus water allocations with ease. • Water trading, which allows low value water to move to high value industries, was enhanced by the high level of awareness of the participants about the mechanisms of water trading.

Regional li 49 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Queensland Government, Website 2011 Wide Bay • The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan (the 2011, Wide Bay Burnett Burnett regional plan) establishes a clear vision and Regional Plan-Cultivating direction for the region for the next 20 years. a strong, healthy and sustainable future for • The purpose of the plan is to manage regional the Wide Bay Burnett, growth and change in the most sustainable Australia way to protect and enhance quality of life in the region. • The plan identifies principles, policies and programs related to regional water supply, total water cycle management, water quality, water health and wetlands. Isaac Regional Council, Website 2011 Isaac • This report identified the level of existing 2011, Redefining Regional Region services and condition of natural resources. Planning: Managing Change, Measuring • In response to increasing activities of mines Growth (Abridged version), in the region, the report then forecasted the Queensland, Australia. demand of services in future including the pressure on water, environment and other resources using input-output modelling. • The report anticipated how much additional demand for infrastructure and services within the region will be required. On-ground programs Healthy Waterways - http://www. 2003- MIW Water Quality Monitoring derm.qld.gov.au/ Current Program science/projects/ mackaywhitsunday/ index.html Key data sources Department of Environment and Resource Management, Queensland Fitzroy Basin Association, Wide Bay Burnett NRM Group, Reef Catchments Other projects None identified ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

Infrastructural development has been underway in all the regions (Mackay Isaac Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Central West and Wide Bay Burnett) in response to mining boom. Some of the remaining gaps are: • There is a lack of information about water supply and water infrastructure development directly related to mining activities while mining activities affects water in many ways. • There is a lack of information about the integrated water resource management and development across the regions.

50 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Theme 10: Environment and natural resource management

Synopsis

According to the EPBC Act (1999), environment refers to ecosystems and natural and physical resources. Furthermore, it notes that issues related to environment might therefore include include heritage values, and the qualities and characteristics of assets (e.g. conservation and biodiversity issues). For the purposes of this project, the focus will be on environmental management issues linked with exploration, development and/or operations of resources projects, and any flow-on impacts to the surrounding catchments and/or landscapes.

Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Research and reporting “On the right track, DEEDI (now DSDIP) October All • Exploration permits for coal in Queensland progress on the 2011 have increased four-four since 2008; and the streamlining and petroleum rigour of environmental assessments around approvals projects”, Report this growth is critical of the Department of Employment, Economic • Reforms to project assessment will begin in Development and 2012, which will reduce the target timeframes Innovation-Mines, ISBN for environmental impact statements from 26- 978-1-921368-60-8 (online), 32 month to instead be 17 months 36 pages. Whitsunday Regional http://aphref.aph.gov. February All • WRC recommended that the Inquiry should Council, Submission to the au/house/committee/ 2012 consider reviewing the Environmental Impact House of Representatives ra/fifodido/subs.htm) Statement approvals process in Queensland, Standard Committee on as the community currently finds this process Regional Australia, Inquiry tokenistic. into the use of ‘fly-in, fly-out’ (FIFO) workforce • A possible adjustment to the EIS process practices in regional could include a legislative requirement for Australia Local Government to be involved in the EIS, prior to the community consultation phase Queensland Government, Google 2011 Wide Bay • The pan identified principles, policies and 2011, Wide Bay Burnett Burnett programs for biodiversity, coastal environment, Regional Plan-Cultivating air quality and noise, regional landscapes and a strong, healthy and green space network as part of environment sustainable future for (pp. 57-66) the Wide Bay Burnett, Australia • The plan identifies desired regional outcomes in the area of environment and designed implementation strategies Industry Working Group, Website 2010 Mackay • In this report, a range of recommendations 2010, Supporting Resource have been made with the aim of better Sector Growth- Industry integration of approvals processes between proposals for streamlining Australian and Queensland agencies, among Queensland’s Approval the different state agencies themselves, and Process, Queensland, between the proponents, state agencies and Australia. the community

Regional li 51 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Mackay Regional Council, Website 2010 MIW • The intent of this plan is to provide cost- 2010, Sandfly Creek effective management options that Environmental Reserve will maintain the Reserve’s significant Management Plan, environmental values into the future whilst Queensland, Australia. providing for nature-based recreational and educational opportunities • Combined with appropriate interpretive signs, this management design provides for educational opportunities particularly related to ‘Ecosystem Services’ • The report recommends for management activities (10 recommendations) and also outlined implementation strategies to environmentally manage Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve Management Department of Council Website 2011 Fitzroy This report summarises the consultation Environment and Resource Central processes that the Department of Environment Management, 2011, West and Resource Management (DERM) undertook Establishing Environmental in developing environmental values (EVs) and Values and Water Quality water quality objectives (WQOs) for the waters Objectives for the Waters of the Fitzroy Basin of the Fitzroy Basin- Consultation summary and • This report also details the key issues raised response to submission in submissions from the release of the draft from public consultation, Fitzroy water quality documents for public Queensland, Australia. review from 15 December 2010 to 4 April 2011, and DERM’s response to those issues Fitzroy water quality Website 2011 Fitzroy • This report provides some basic information projects Status Report – 6 Central about the status of current projects and April 2011 West outcomes of the projects • The reports also provide recommendations for further environmental protection of water Dupavillon, J., Johnston, Website 2011 Fitzroy • Results of consultation with stakeholders N., Stephens, J., Smith, P., about the environmental value of Fitzroy Basin McDonald, J., and Ukkola, indicate some concerns regarding the basin L., 2011, Environmental and its conservation Values for the Fitzroy: Community Consultation, • Participant feedback and suggestions were Fitzroy Basin Association, also provided by the report Queensland, Australia. Queensland Government, Google 2011 Fitzroy • This report deals with the development of sub- 2011, Developing Water regional water quality guidelines for freshwater Quality Guidelines riverine systems in the Fitzroy Basin. It for the Protection lists the locally-derived guideline values at of the Freshwater the moderately disturbed level of aquatic Aquatic Ecosystems ecosystem protection in terms of management in the Fitzroy Basin intent (Phase-1). Department of Environment and Resource Management, Australia.

52 Regional li veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Queensland Government, Website 2012 MIW • This report provides extensive policy and 2012, Mackay, Isaac and programs for the sustainability of the region Whitsunday Regional Plan- in terms of land, water, urban, transport and Planning for a resilient, community management. vibrant and sustainable community. Australia. • In terms of environmental management, the report focuses on biodiversity, water quality, water way health and wetlands, coastal environment, air quality and noise. • The plan also identifies the principles and programs for the management of environmental resources for the next 20 years Queensland Government, 2011 Website MIW • The report analysed the regional economy with 2011, Mackay, Isaac specific consideration of economic activity and Whitsunday ( in the Region that will influence the major MIW) Region Industrial industrial land and infrastructure Land Demand Study, Office of Coordinator • Identified the existing supply of industrial General, Department of land in the region including an analysis of Employment, Economic industrial land pricing and sales and industrial Development and development Innovation, Queensland, • Assessed the demand of industrial land Australia. in the region and identify opportunities and competitive advantages for industrial development to meet the identified demand • Assessed the capability of existing industrial supply in the sub-regions to meet future economic growth On-ground programs

Key data sources Department of Environment and Resource Management, Queensland Fitzroy Basin Association, Wide Bay Burnett NRM Group, Reef Catchments Other projects “On the right track, DEEDI (now DSDIP) October All • Exploration permits for coal in Queensland progress on the 2011 have increased four-four since 2008; and the streamlining and petroleum rigour of environmental assessments around approvals projects”, Report this growth is critical of the Department of Employment, Economic • Reforms to project assessment will begin in Development and 2012, which will reduce the target timeframes Innovation-Mines, ISBN for environmental impact statements from 26- 978-1-921368-60-8 (online), 32 month to instead be 17 months 36 pages.

Regional li 53 veability is t he key for sustainable re source communities Source / Relevant Reference Date Key findings availability region(s)^ Central Queensland Fitzroy Basin Updated FCW, • Sets goals and regional environmental targets Strategy for Sustainability Association 2005 MIW across land, water, reefs, ecosystem health 2004 and Beyond (CQSS2) and cultural, social and economic assets • Also has notes on regional coordination, R&D, planning and decision-making ^MIW – Mackay Isaac Whitsunday; FCW – Fitzroy and Central West; WBB – Wide Bay Burnett

Gap analysis

The gaps related to environment and natural resource management include: • a lack of information about environmental management directly related to mining activities while mining activities are affecting air, water, and land in these regions. • a lack of information about the integrated environmental management across the regions.

Additional references

DEEWR, 2010, Resourcing the future, National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce Discussion Paper, March 2010, Commonwealth of Australia, ISBN 978-0-642-32942-4 (PDF).

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth), Guidance Note 7, Definition of ‘Environment’ under section 528 of the EPBC Act.

Franks, DM, Brereton, D, Moran, CJ, Sarker, T and T, Cohen. 2010. Cumulative impacts – a good practice guide for the Australian Coal Mining Industry. Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining & Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland. Australian Coal Association Research Program. Brisbane.

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Nicole Duguid Rees Banks Paul Massingham Chief Executive Officer Executive Officer Executive Officer RDA Mackay Whitsunday Inc. RDA Fitzroy and Central West RDA Wide Bay Burnett Inc. Level 1, Post Office Square 25 Road Parkhurst Ground Floor 73 Sydney Street PO Box 307 Brendan Hansen Building PO Box 1877 Mackay Q 4740 Rockhampton Q 4700 50 – 54 Main Street Pialba PO Box 1045 Hervey Bay Q 4655 T 07 4967 0727 T 07 4923 6217 M 0437 002 492 M 0429 159 308 T 07 4125 9272 E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected]